Roundworms in Cats: Symptoms and Treatment
Roundworms are roundworms and are one of the most common endoparasites in cats. In cats, the roundworm Toxocara mystax is particularly common. However, an infection with Toxascaris leonina is also possible.
You can find out how your cat becomes infected with roundworms, the symptoms of roundworm infestation and what is important when choosing a worming treatment.
This is how your cat becomes infected with a roundworm
A female roundworm produces a large number of eggs that are excreted in the feces of the infected cat. There are three different ways of infecting the cat, the larvae of the roundworm are always taken orally by the cat and swallowed.
Although roundworms are not really dependent on intermediate hosts, eating worms that are infected with worm larvae is the most common route of infection, at least in adult cats. In this case, roundworm larvae are released when the prey is digested and first migrate into the intestinal wall of the cat before returning to the small intestine for about three weeks.
There is a more direct way to get infected: if ingested, the larvae of the roundworm can be released in the cat's stomach and then pierce the wall of the stomach or small intestine in order to reach the lungs through the bloodstream.
The larvae sitting in the lungs are coughed up by the cat and swallowed, so that they reach the small intestine again, where they eventually grow into adult roundworms. This route of infection takes around eight weeks.
Transmission of roundworms to cats when nursing
In cat puppies, an infection via breast milk is also possible, in which larvae of the roundworm reach the body of the young animals from the mammary glands.
Because the larvae can not only migrate into the lungs of the cat via the bloodstream, but also, for example, into the mammary glands. There they isolate themselves until they are activated by hormonal changes towards the end of pregnancy. In this case, infection with roundworms in young cats is the same as in the case of infection via an intermediate host.
Symptoms of roundworm infestation in cats
A moderate infestation with roundworms often goes unnoticed in cats, as there are hardly any visible symptoms. However, severe roundworm infestation can manifest itself in a number of unspecific complaints and pose a serious risk, especially for young cats.
Your cat may experience the following symptoms as a result of roundworm infestation:
- Porridge droppings and diarrhea
- Dull, shaggy fur
- Weight loss
- Hair loss
- Growth disorders (in young animals)
Occasionally, massive roundworm infestations in cats can even cause an intestinal obstruction or inflammation of the peritoneum. In these cases, roundworm infestation for affected animals is associated with considerable disturbances in general well-being.
Transmission of roundworm from cat to human
Be aware of the fact that roundworm infection can affect not only your cat, but also yourself.
Because it is quite possible that you will catch roundworms in a cat's droppings. In addition to the domestic litter box, sandboxes contaminated with infected faeces pose a risk in playgrounds.
In most cases, the infection is normal in humans. Occasionally, however, the larvae of the roundworm can lead to various complaints, such as allergic reactions, eye damage, headaches or an enlargement of the liver.
Treatment of roundworm in cats
If your cat suffers from roundworm infestation, it is important that you react promptly and deworm your four-legged friend with a suitable agent. Chemical worms are usually used for cats for this purpose. The active ingredients contained kill the parasites and ensure that the cat is rid of roundworms.
Combat roundworm infestation in cats naturally
Since common worming treatments for cats can often not only harm the roundworm, but also the four-legged friend itself, we recommend that you choose natural alternatives.
With Vermal powder from I love my cat, you are choosing a worming agent that effectively fights roundworms and other worms in cats without causing undesirable side effects.
This is made possible by the selected herbs, which create a hostile environment in the intestine of your four-legged friend and which do not cause resistance even when used regularly.
Roundworm in cats: options for prevention
In practice, it is hardly possible to completely rule out that your cat may come into contact with eggs or larvae of the roundworm. To reduce the likelihood of roundworm infestation, you have only two options.
On the one hand you should regularly clean and disinfect the litter box and on the other hand you should deworm your cat regularly. We recommend four prophylactic worms with Vermal powder per year for free-range cats and two for indoor cats.
Cats and roundworms - our conclusion
A possible infestation with the roundworm should never be taken lightly in cats. After all, infected cats are contagious and can even infect their owners with the annoying parasites.
Deworming your cat is therefore not only necessary in the event of acute roundworm infestation, but is also highly recommended as a regular preventive measure. With our Vermal powder you can do both in a gentle way, so that the roundworm will soon no longer be an issue for your cat.
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